A lot of providers already do this, it’s a last minute cancellation policy. Many charge the client 50%-100% of the missed rate if the client wants to see them again. A lot of clients actually pay the cancellation fee when they cancel too short of notice out of respect. Providers cancellation policy is if the client cancels 24 hours before their appointment they have to pay the fee. The policy can range from 24 hours to a a few days. But with deposits already at play cancellations/NSNC are extremely rare.
NSNC What’s going on in Ottawa/Gatineau region. A provider point of view.
- Thread starter Alison_xox
- Start date
I understand this. My idea was strictly to cut down on nsnc, these really sting for clients and providers. Cancellations are a different mogul. Whether the extra 50 dollar fee for nsnc is added to a possible cancellation fee is unique to every provider.
If I may ,
I know Mod don’t like us talking about deposit , but this tread is very useful to the industry right now. It’s not a war zone. We all express ourself with respect and try finding solutions all together in order to improve things.
Please don’t erase posts or block that tread. We need it right now.
Thanks
Kisses
Ali
I know Mod don’t like us talking about deposit , but this tread is very useful to the industry right now. It’s not a war zone. We all express ourself with respect and try finding solutions all together in order to improve things.
Please don’t erase posts or block that tread. We need it right now.
Thanks
Kisses
Ali
I also only charge 50$ deposit and it works in the sense that once they send a deposit they actually do show up.
My policy is :
Cancellation /not refundable
Re-scheduling with a min of 24h notice / applied as credit on their next session
If they don’t show up twice , they’re blacklisted.
If I need to cancel or reschedule :
I give a 50$ credit or/and a free membership so they can save 30$/sessions for a year.
I can’t remember last time I had to cancel a booking, but I do compensate. I am never late for my booking so compensation for being late doesn’t apply to me.
My policy is :
Cancellation /not refundable
Re-scheduling with a min of 24h notice / applied as credit on their next session
If they don’t show up twice , they’re blacklisted.
If I need to cancel or reschedule :
I give a 50$ credit or/and a free membership so they can save 30$/sessions for a year.
I can’t remember last time I had to cancel a booking, but I do compensate. I am never late for my booking so compensation for being late doesn’t apply to me.
This type of behaviour from ‘providers’ is disgusting and very frowned upon in our community. When a ‘provider’ gets exposed as a scam artist it is not taken lightly on our side either. This makes our lives so much more difficult and tarnishes trust on the client side. I want to know who did that to you as I do not want to make the mistake of associating myself with them. $1,200 is a lot of money, what the fuck. I’m actually mad! Please understand this is not normal behaviour among reputable providers!
Providers/scam artists that steal from clients are much worse than NSNC. Stealing is not ok.
I fully agree !!
This type of behaviour’s absolutely unacceptable.
Those providers are ruining it for everyone else.
Because of that type of behaviour, all the industry’s suffering.
It’s because of unreliable providers like them if clients needs to be careful and it creates an atmosphere or paranoia among the clientele.
I believe that those lovely ladies that (a) are professional in their approach to their service (b) truly enjoy what they do (c) treat their clients with respect deserve our respect as clients. I respect these lovely women and don't NSNC. There is no reason not to text to give notice that you can't make it - none. Those that fail to do this are self centred, selfish creeps.
For the most part I have also not been ghosted - perhaps because I am a bit older and I am not as frequent a flyer as others. It could also be that I am not a big fan of chasing the latest lady with the great pictures in a LL adv't I do have to say that this forum has been very helpful over the years - from avoiding scams & thieves to providing excellent information to assist me in making choices.
As far as solving the NSNC dilemma, that is a tough one. In an ideal world, clients who are regular, dependable guys should be known to ladies so that NSNC's wouldn't happen. In the same way, the creeps that don't show or call would similarly be known and would be blocked by all those great reputable ladies. Unfortunately there are too many selfish folks on both sides of this equation for this to work. So, if a provider decides that, to protect herself and the precious time that she has available to see clients, that a deposit system is needed, I can respect that. As a client, I would hope that once I established myself as a regular, I could be trusted so that deposits would not always be required.
For the most part I have also not been ghosted - perhaps because I am a bit older and I am not as frequent a flyer as others. It could also be that I am not a big fan of chasing the latest lady with the great pictures in a LL adv't I do have to say that this forum has been very helpful over the years - from avoiding scams & thieves to providing excellent information to assist me in making choices.
As far as solving the NSNC dilemma, that is a tough one. In an ideal world, clients who are regular, dependable guys should be known to ladies so that NSNC's wouldn't happen. In the same way, the creeps that don't show or call would similarly be known and would be blocked by all those great reputable ladies. Unfortunately there are too many selfish folks on both sides of this equation for this to work. So, if a provider decides that, to protect herself and the precious time that she has available to see clients, that a deposit system is needed, I can respect that. As a client, I would hope that once I established myself as a regular, I could be trusted so that deposits would not always be required.
Alison and Tara, thanks for your comments. It seems there is a catch-22 situation. Time wasting clients put providers in a situation where they feel the need to ask for deposits. Bad experiences with deposits put clients in a situation where they are reluctant to pay them. The cycle needs to be broken somehow...
From the client perspective, hopefully this thread will make clients more aware of the effects of no showing. In the end, it makes it that much harder to book with good providers. I also think it's a significant reason why Ottawa attracts less touring ladies than say 4-6 years ago. No shows make the business worse for everyone, providers and clients. Please show up if you book!
From the client perspective, hopefully this thread will make clients more aware of the effects of no showing. In the end, it makes it that much harder to book with good providers. I also think it's a significant reason why Ottawa attracts less touring ladies than say 4-6 years ago. No shows make the business worse for everyone, providers and clients. Please show up if you book!
Allison is bang on. There is a huge problem with no shows in Ottawa. It’s in part why many providers don’t tour here. Possibly it dovetails with the proliferation of spas, which encourage last-minute & short bookings, therefore cycle of double-bookings and ghosting from both sides as described above. Whatever the cause, I don’t experience this issue nearly as much on tour and almost never now that I’ve adopted more professional policies.
I take deposits now about 90% of the time, especially with first time clients. I didn’t in the beginning but have enough good regulars who trust me now and, like other established providers, worked hard to solidify a reputation for honesty & reliability.
Allison your reputation over many years in this business speaks for itself, of course you can be trusted with a deposit. And your hybrid solution sounds like a good compromise, offer your first bookings to those willing to pay a deposit and, if you’re still available and willing take a chance with riskier last minute dates, book those without one.
Deposits in this industry are not that different from handing over money upfront in other arenas. Of course there’s a chance of loss, just like my lawyer can overbill me or my renovation company can go out of business at a much higher cost to customers, but hopefully as clients you’re choosing to book with people who are unlikely to do this since we have demonstrated we’re honest, care about our clients & invest heavily in our businesses & reputations. And no, Twitter following nor offering good service is not the same thing as a reputation for honesty. This is the best way to minimize your risks across the board, deposit or not.
For those concerned about discretion, which I do understand, there are completely anonymous ways such as gift cards to send a deposit. With GCs as an option, the discretion argument doesn’t hold much credibility.
As a client, once you’ve established a clear pattern of reliability, your provider may waive the need for a deposit. I do this too. And you can also build a reputation among industry workers that you’re known for being so reliable, it’s not a question. Read MikeO’s post above.
I think we all understand some just refuse any policies like deposits no matter how small & screening as a principal. That’s ok, not everyone is a match. Personally I would just rather focus on gents who understand things cut both ways, you have high standards and so do we. That’s just smart business.
I take deposits now about 90% of the time, especially with first time clients. I didn’t in the beginning but have enough good regulars who trust me now and, like other established providers, worked hard to solidify a reputation for honesty & reliability.
Allison your reputation over many years in this business speaks for itself, of course you can be trusted with a deposit. And your hybrid solution sounds like a good compromise, offer your first bookings to those willing to pay a deposit and, if you’re still available and willing take a chance with riskier last minute dates, book those without one.
Deposits in this industry are not that different from handing over money upfront in other arenas. Of course there’s a chance of loss, just like my lawyer can overbill me or my renovation company can go out of business at a much higher cost to customers, but hopefully as clients you’re choosing to book with people who are unlikely to do this since we have demonstrated we’re honest, care about our clients & invest heavily in our businesses & reputations. And no, Twitter following nor offering good service is not the same thing as a reputation for honesty. This is the best way to minimize your risks across the board, deposit or not.
For those concerned about discretion, which I do understand, there are completely anonymous ways such as gift cards to send a deposit. With GCs as an option, the discretion argument doesn’t hold much credibility.
As a client, once you’ve established a clear pattern of reliability, your provider may waive the need for a deposit. I do this too. And you can also build a reputation among industry workers that you’re known for being so reliable, it’s not a question. Read MikeO’s post above.
I think we all understand some just refuse any policies like deposits no matter how small & screening as a principal. That’s ok, not everyone is a match. Personally I would just rather focus on gents who understand things cut both ways, you have high standards and so do we. That’s just smart business.
Stories like this don't really hold up without offering more.
Why aren't you describing what happened to you in more detail? Why didn't you post about these supposed rip offs and identity the person who stole your money after it happened? You have 700+ posts on here, including posts that explicitly identify providers with whom you had a bad experience. How does an observer make sense of the fact that you've shown a willingness to call people out for something as insignificant as a less-than-enjoyable date, but you're unwilling to call someone out who stole thousands of dollars from you? Where are your receipts? Screenshots of the conversation where a provider asked for pre-payment, accepted it, and then dropped all contact with you, unprovoked?
Without details like these it sounds like you're either fabricating stories from whole cloth, or that you know that your own conduct was responsible for torpedoing your bookings. It beggars belief that "one of the most well known providers in Eastern Canada" would suddenly decide that she wants to steal exactly one booking's worth of money from a random guy in Ottawa, risking her reputation (and possibly leaving additional money on the table, if you sent a deposit rather than a full pre-payment)... and then lucking out that the guy she stole from turned out to be so zen that he wouldn't post about the theft on the infamous client board where he has 700+ posts (including complaints).
I'm really sorry providers are having to deal with NSNC clients. Not showing up and then not calling/texting is unacceptable. Such a client better have a good reason and 50% fee atleast if they want to book again.
I try to book same day as I hate to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Also I get anxious when I book in advance. I rarely cancel but if I have to then I try to give at least a day's notice. Even then I feel bad for canceling and compensate for me wasting their time. I will generally confirm before I start to drive, so the provider knows I'm serious. I could cancel a doctor's appointment without feeling guilty but not one with a provider
Couple of suggestions already mentioned by others to reduce the time wasters and something I would be comfortable doing.
1. Ask for a reference from another provider. Pre-screen earlier and book same day if provider is available.
2. Let new or regular clients know that there is a cancelation fee if they don't inform you ahead of time.
3. Deposit for clients without references can be done through gift cards(e.g Amazon) sent to a discreet email (email address not posted online).
I try to book same day as I hate to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Also I get anxious when I book in advance. I rarely cancel but if I have to then I try to give at least a day's notice. Even then I feel bad for canceling and compensate for me wasting their time. I will generally confirm before I start to drive, so the provider knows I'm serious. I could cancel a doctor's appointment without feeling guilty but not one with a provider
Couple of suggestions already mentioned by others to reduce the time wasters and something I would be comfortable doing.
1. Ask for a reference from another provider. Pre-screen earlier and book same day if provider is available.
2. Let new or regular clients know that there is a cancelation fee if they don't inform you ahead of time.
3. Deposit for clients without references can be done through gift cards(e.g Amazon) sent to a discreet email (email address not posted online).
Back off!
I've spoken with itd about this. He doesn't want to go any further. Leave it alone.
There are many great viewpoints and thought out alternatives written herein.
We are all well aware that there is never a solution that pleases absolutely everyone. It is the same here in this thread.
From what I've read here, the solution of providing either a deposit (in whichever form suits both parties) OR a referral would seem to offer a solution to all but the newest of the new punters or those reluctant to provide either.
I say this because it would expose the scammers demanding only a deposit. If they will not accept a referral, then odds are quite good that they are simply scamming for the sake of the deposit.
As stated above, no solution is perfect, so, of course, there will be some SW's that only accept a deposit as an option, so this could alienate a few. Perhaps, they can adjust?
I still believe, if we can expose the scammers, everyone will be better off in the longer run.
We are all well aware that there is never a solution that pleases absolutely everyone. It is the same here in this thread.
From what I've read here, the solution of providing either a deposit (in whichever form suits both parties) OR a referral would seem to offer a solution to all but the newest of the new punters or those reluctant to provide either.
I say this because it would expose the scammers demanding only a deposit. If they will not accept a referral, then odds are quite good that they are simply scamming for the sake of the deposit.
As stated above, no solution is perfect, so, of course, there will be some SW's that only accept a deposit as an option, so this could alienate a few. Perhaps, they can adjust?
I still believe, if we can expose the scammers, everyone will be better off in the longer run.
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The short answer to your question is to protect myself. That's the only answer I'm going to give on a public review board. Anyone who knows this business can fairly easily understand where I am coming from. The fact that you can't makes me question your agenda - and I'm far from the first person to do that.
If you or anyone else chooses not to believe me, go ahead, that's your choice. As you point out, my 700+ posts provide a track record so others can easily evaluate where I'm coming from.
I'm not sure why I would make this up. When providers come on here and start a thread, I try to contribute meaningfully. I gave my honest experience and thoughts on the topic and did my best to add to the conversation. Up until your post, I thought this thread was quite civil and useful - sadly rather rare on terb. I wish providers would come on here more often but I think what often stops them is how threads degenerate into toxicity too quickly. Let's not degenerate another thread.
I personally don't have a Problem with deposits when seeing an independent. Have never missed an appointment and have always told myself if circumstances forced me to cancel within 24 hrs of appointment that I'd compensate provider. I don't see unknown providers as I am just not into taking chances on having a meh session. I just don't look upon it as a regular business transaction.
It sucks that this happensas beinga SW already has other risks.
IMO the biggest culprits wont read this thread and just don't care.
I have also heard other SW are a source of fake bookings
It sucks that this happensas beinga SW already has other risks.
IMO the biggest culprits wont read this thread and just don't care.
I have also heard other SW are a source of fake bookings
This is my case. I give my point of view on deposits without being overly negative. Yet all my comments that weren't pro-deposits had been edited out. Alison asks for our point of view by it seems things are very bias around here.
What about privacy? I think many guys don't want to be known as guys that see many SWs.
I mentioned in my first post as well as Ruby, that gift cards (Uber, Amazon etc) can be sent anonymously to our email address for discretion. Or at a very last resort the client can obtain a gift card from shoppers or a gas station and send us a photo of the code presented on the back of the card to input into our Amazon account. Many are happy to send us gift cards as an alternative for email transfers.
Yes, that is what the entire thread was alluding to Tara.
Not sure where the disconnect comes into play, but if it's just about the concern of total anonymity, then I believe you have covered it very well.
Although, I do have to admit that "Asspirate" is just a totally great moniker! :}
